Perhaps even more notable, a growing consensus seems to be emerging among conservative opinion-shapers in the media – including many who have not been friendly toward Romney – that the party should essentially resign itself to his nomination and move forward. Several have done this even while writing that a Romney candidacy may be doomed to defeat.

To wit, conservative columnist George Will – one of Romney’s toughest critics on the right - drew attention last week for a piece that argued Republicans should turn their attention away from the presidential contest altogether, and focus instead on retaining the House and winning the Senate.